Erik ten Hag’s place at Manchester United is underneath extreme scrutiny following Sunday’s derby defeat in opposition to Manchester Metropolis – and membership legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane have given their tackle the Dutchman’s future.
United went forward on the Etihad after simply eight minutes on Sunday through a shocking strike from Marcus Rashford, however Metropolis hit again within the second half with two objectives from Phil Foden and one other from Erling Haaland to inflict an eleventh Premier League defeat upon the Crimson Devils this season.
Out of the Champions League within the group levels and now 11 factors off fourth place within the Premier League, United might have to take a look at the FA Cup to salvage one thing constructive from this season.
Talking on Sky Sports activities, each Neville and Keane admitted they have been uncertain whether or not Ten Hag would stay on the membership past the summer season.
“Final season I believe was actually good within the sense of successful a trophy, stepping into the Champions League, attending to an FA Cup closing, there have been plenty of good issues about final season by way of setting a basis for Erik ten Hag,” Neville mentioned.
“I’d have anticipated this season, to not win the league – nobody anticipated Manchester United to win the league – however they didn’t anticipate them to be in sixth, thus far off.
“So I believe that’s the issue, they’ve misplaced 11 video games within the league, their performances are inconsistent so is it as a result of that is what occurs within the second season? He simply wants a 3rd to get it proper?
“Or really is that this simply what they’re and that is what he’s? That is the problem Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could have, the place are we at on this journey? Are we entering into the appropriate route?”
Ratcliffe has lately taken cost of soccer operations at United and there are sturdy rumours {that a} new coach might be appointed on the finish of the season.
“The summer season is big for him,” Keane mentioned of Ten Hag. “Only for instance in the event that they miss out on the Champions League and do not win a trophy, or get to the FA Cup closing or no matter. Then you definitely look again and suppose, the place are we going?
“That is why the following few months, if he can win the FA Cup, get fifth, get into the Champions League then it appears totally different. However the subsequent few months are large for him.”
Requested if United are shifting in the appropriate route, Keane mentioned: “I am unsure in the meanwhile. Large query marks. Each week you see United you simply do not know what you are going to get.
“11 defeats is nowhere close to ok. I at all times say, give the supervisor the good thing about the doubt. Come the summer season you’ll be able to replicate and see the place United are at, however that is why the following few months are large for him.”
Extra Manchester United tales
Sir Alex Ferguson was the grasp of deflection however Erik ten Hag’s try comes throughout determined in his assault on Fulham
Gary Neville returns to Dragons’ Den to make emotional £50,000 funding after listening to ‘wonderful’ story
‘Why not?’ – Manchester United urged to show to Sir Alex Ferguson forward of summer season switch window